‘Valentino: The Last Emperor’  He Knows Women

Black dresses by Valentino at the Museo Ara Pacis in Rome

Film Review

by Cathie Hehman

If you love fashion or if you don't you'll be swept up into the wonderful and fascinating world of haute couture in its "hey day."

In the beginning of the film, Valentino Garavani is asked "Do you know what women want?" Of course Valentino has the answer "to be beautiful."

He relates that as a teen he was influenced by Hollywood spectacles of glamour on the silver screen and wanted to design beautiful clothes.

What a great thrill to see his beautiful designs on beautiful people and see how haute couture is made (by hand) from the very beginning of a design to a finished product.

The writer and editor, Matt Tyrnauer, gives us a peak into the designer's personal and professional life with Giancarlo Giammetti. Plus you get a glimpse into the movie star lifestyle they led/lead jetting around by private jet, relaxing on their 152 foot yacht and some of their residences around the world.

The finale shows scenes from the 45th-anniversary Valentino celebration in Rome, a three-day career retrospective culminating in a party at the Temple of Venus in the Roman Forum. Not to be missed!

This documentary filmed by Tom Hurwitz from June 2005 to July 2007.

DVD

Valentino

Model Danika  Wearing a Valentino Gown

Exquisite Workmanship